All the Colors of the…Thermometer
5-Part Plan Title:
Engineering Grand Challenge(s)
Covered:
Fellow Contributor:
Grade Level(s):
All the Colors of the …Thermometer
Make Solar Energy Economical
Rebekah Johnston
1-4
5-Part Make-It-Happen Plan
1. Learn It: Students will investigate how different colors absorb various amounts of
heat when placed in similar lighting conditions. These surprising differences are
due to the ability of an object to absorb or reflect varying light wavelengths. In fact,
the color a certain object appears to be when illuminated with white light is in
actuality the color that it is reflected to our eyes while absorbing all other light
wavelengths. Students will be asked to contemplate why someone is warmer
when wearing certain colors in the sun? Likewise, what color are solar panels and
why?
2. Do It: Students will discover if the color of an object affects how hot it will get when
exposed to light. Students working in pairs will be asked to paint bottles of varying
colors. Before beginning the experiments, students will write down their predictions
for which colored bottle will retain the most heat. A thermometer will be places in
each bottle, then each sealed bottle will be placed in front of a lamp for 5 minutes.
The initial and final temperature will be recorded for each color. Students will
analyze this data by creating a bar graph of temperature versus color.
3. Share It: Upon realizing the correlation between color, energy absorbed and heat
captured, students will be asked to extrapolate these concepts to the outside
world. In pairs, students will discuss why certain things are colored darker or
lighter, why it may keep you cooler to wear different colors, etc.
4. Create It: Students will paint identical bottles various different colors: white, black,
blue, red, orange, green, yellow, purple, silver, and gold. They will insert a
thermometer into each bottle and seal the bottle. The initial temperature of the
bottle will be recorded then a lamp will be turned on each 15 inches from the bottle
(be sure the lamps are identical and are directed at each bottle in the same
manner). The light will be allowed to shine on the bottle for 5 minutes then the final
temperature will be recorded. Students will compare and contrast the temperature
with color of the bottle by creating a bar graph.
5. Teach It: A bar graph will be created to better visualize the relationship between
temperature (y-axis) and color (x-axis). Students will discuss whether the
experimental results matched their predictions and why. With this new knowledge,
Filename: All the Colors of the… Thermometer 5-Part Plan Form.docx
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students can be further asked if these results will influence what colors they
choose in their everyday lives.
Filename: All the Colors of the… Thermometer 5-Part Plan Form.docx
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